heavily

adverb

HEV-i-lee/ˈhɛvɪli/

4 meanings of heavily

1
a lotadverb
Very much or in large amounts, sometimes so much that something becomes thick or dense.
She relied heavily on her older sister for advice.
It rained heavily all weekend, so the game was canceled.
UsageOften in rely heavily on, depend heavily on, rain heavily, and drink heavily.
Similarhard, deeply, strongly
2
with weightadverb
With a lot of weight, in a way that feels heavy.
He sat down heavily in the old armchair.
The crate landed heavily on the wooden floor.
UsageOften in sit down heavily, fall heavily, and land heavily.
Similarponderously
Oppositelightly, gently
3
slow and tiredadverb
In a way that takes a lot of effort or is hard to do.
He breathed heavily after climbing the stairs.
She walked heavily up the path, worn out from the long day.
UsageOften in breathe heavily and sigh heavily.
Similarlaboriously, wearily
Oppositenimbly

Less common meaning

4
strongly builtadverb
In a strong way, built to handle hard or rough use.
The truck was heavily built to haul tons of gravel.
This old truck is heavily built for rough country roads.
UsageMost often in heavily built.
Similarsolidly, sturdily, robustly
Oppositelightly, flimsily

Practice

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Origin

From an old English word meaning "heavily" or "in a grievous way." It comes from "heavy" plus "-ly."

Checked 7 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

Heavily derives from an Old English word meaning heavily or grievously. en.wiktionary.org
Heavily is formed from heavy plus -ly. en.wiktionary.org